1) How do you stay motivated to finish a project and start new ones?
2) When do you know a project is done?
I've got some thoughts on the matter, but they are purely my opinion. That said, the first question kind of confuses me. Let's look at the term CG Artist. CG is really the lesser component of that term. That's why it can be shortened. That's why it's possible for some people not to know what it stands for. The second portion though is what holds the answer. Everyone knows what an Artist is, they're a person that makes art! But, what does an artist do? That is a question many people don't understand. If art can cover classical painting, music, literature or CG, then clearly an artist isn't just moving a paintbrush around. Ultimately an artist creates pictures. Pictures in the audiences mind. But, not just any pictures. I could describe to you the fibres of the carpet on the floor, they're gray and bristly. That puts a picture in your mind, but it doesn't matter. It has no meaning, no feeling. Now if I describe sitting on a crowded bus watching a mother feel helpless as her baby cries, that starts to bring up feelings. For some it might be sympathy, for some it might be irritation. Now we start to get involved in the mental picture. As an artist, that's what we do. With our chosen mediums we reach into your heart, mind and soul to elicit a reaction. It's our way of connecting to each and every one of you. Most say that art is a form of expression, but for an artist it's really our passion. You can't touch someone's soul without sharing some of yours.
People are passionate by nature. You can't stop us from expressing it. Sex is an obvious expression of passion, but it's really a small one. It takes place in a moment in time. But the love we have for our partners, that lasts for an extended time. So do our religious beliefs, and our political viewpoints. How often do you hear people around you complaining about things people are doing, or the state of global affairs, or even the weather? Every time we form an opinion on something, that's an expression of passion. Passion is in everything we do. For an artist, we choose to express that passion through art. Being that it's a passion, it's unstoppable, and so it's always there for an artist to express. So, my thought is that if you're having trouble staying motivated you need to ask yourself, why is it important to be motivated for this? Is it something that is truly your passion? Or would your efforts be best used on a different interest? Another good thing to understand is, are you doing this because you want to? Or is it because it's a job?
"Whatever you're going to do, be the absolute best at it. I think ultimately, it always works out in the end." - Ryan Flaherty (in The Tim Ferriss Show: #238: The Savant of Speed)
In regards to how to know when a piece is finished, that also depends on whether this is Your Art or your Job. If it's your job, then the answer is simple. Ask two questions: How close are you to the deadline? And is it good enough for the client? A deadline plays a very significant role in how the piece is planned, designed, composited, and refined. With the deadline in mind, you still have to make sure that it conveys the message and / or feeling that the client is aiming for. But the level of refinement can be cut short at "good enough." The other side of good enough though is, if you have a lot more time before the deadline, have you given it enough effort? If you've got the play in your schedule, feel free to improve the expression of the piece.
If you're doing this because it's Your Art, then it's all up to you. If you're getting bored with the piece, then you're not giving it your passion anymore. It's time to stop. Your passion for the project is ultimately your barometer for when you deem a piece complete. Does it tell the story you want to tell? Does it express the feeling you were aiming for? These are guiding questions, but your passion ultimately holds the bar.
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